Cardiac Caps Hang Tough

After a penalty ridden game against the Islanders on Thursday, the Caps traveled up to the Prudential Center to take on the New Jersey Devils in a matinee game at 1pm. Stanislav Galiev was a healthy scratch with Paul Carey getting the start. Marcus Johansson, Jay Beagle, and Brooks Orpik are still out with injuries. After an awesome ceremonial goalie puck drop honoring Martin Brodeur, the boys got down to business.

Andre Burakovsky had another great day. He played his 100th career NHL game and he now has a five-game scoring streak.

Period 1-The calm before the storm

The Caps seemed to be playing with some legs today. They look focused, fast and precise. There was a scary moment when Braden Holtby lost his mask. Again. It appeared that the blade of Taylor Chorney’s stick caught Holts under the chin and knocked his mask off. Luckily, Holts appeared unscathed. There was only one penalty called in the first 20 minutes and no goals were scored.

GOALS-No goals for either side.

PENALTIES-Stephen Gionta was called for hooking.

SCORE-Caps and Devils tied, 0-0

Period 2-Pinball Wizard

With only 12 shots between the teams in the 1stperiod, it looked like the Caps were trying to get something going in the first few minutes of the game but to no avail. The top line had some great zone time but could not get anything to go in. Holtby kept this game scoreless with some great back-to-back stops on the doorstep. Caps finally got a puck past Cory Schneider as it pinballed into the net.

GOALS-Andre Burakovsky scored his 10th goal of the season, assisted by Justin Williams.

PENALTIES-Jacob Josefson called for holding.

SCORE-Caps up 1-0

Period 3-Just can’t get enough…

New Jersey scored early on a power play goal that squirted through Holtby’s five hole. Caps also had a power play in the third but they could not convert. Caps power play is 0-3 in the game and 0-15 recently.

With a goal late in the period to tie it up, Caps get called for a tripping penalty. Devils could not convert before the period ends, so TO OVERTIME WE GO!!

PENALTIES-Mike Richards called for tripping. Jordin Tootoo called for interference. Justin Williams called for tripping.

OT and Shootout Challenge

Devils began OT with 4 on 3 power play for a minute. Alex Ovechkin lowered the boom on Josefson and Holtby makes some amazing saves to take the game to a shootout. Holtby denied the first two with beautiful saves, but the third got by. TJ Oshie scores, Kuzy denied, Ovi scores—CAPS WIN!!

SCORE-CAPS WIN 3-2

The Caps are now 37-9-4 with 78 points. They seemed to consistently improve during this game. They started a bit timid but were quick on their feet. They had some excellent moments of zone time and net presence but definitely need to work on the power play. Also, congrats to Paul Carey scored his first NHL career goal.

What’s Next?

Caps next game is Sunday at home against the Philadelphia Flyers at noon. That game will be on NBC. Since they play early again tomorrow, there will be no practice.